Thank you
I do have an idea of where to start . If it works it should be enough. Going to have to play it close to The vest at first though . Thank you for the suggestions 😊
@Uncle_Bingo said:
Thank you
I do have an idea of where to start . If it works it should be enough. Going to have to play it close to The vest at first though . Thank you for the suggestions 😊
you want help but will keep it close to your vest?
@Uncle_Bingo said:
Thank you
I do have an idea of where to start . If it works it should be enough. Going to have to play it close to The vest at first though . Thank you for the suggestions 😊
@LanLord said:
I think you were all arguing with an AI engine.
He joined 3 1/2 years ago, but apart from one test thread back then, all his posts have been recent, and almost entirely to his own threads.
I suppose he could be testing his AI operation. It would explain a few things, such as the fact that he mostly only posted to his own threads, and apparently has written no letters of his own to the entities he was highlighting as responsible for taking action.
AI's are great at writing letters. 😁
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
@Uncle_Bingo said:
Thankfully I have not been burned recently, and although I have just a faction of the knowledge many of you on this forum do, I have really tried in the last 3 or 4 years to educated myself while learning from some of the very best in the world in regard to what we collect.
My guess is also a bot that is in Beta.
A chatbot would have to be specially programmed to make those grammar mistakes.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
Still too long to read? I am not sure if it is only one page? and yes, this is the very first time I attempted to use the AI for anything other than a spell checker.
BTW the AI might be handy, but it is currently kicking my butt.
I may in fact need something more to back this up, (hint, hint ) if by some miracle this gets a nibble.
(SNIP)
Subject: Request for Investigation into Potential Federal Law Violations by eBay and Associated Sellers Involving Numismatic Items
Dear U.S. Attorney [Last Name],
I am writing to respectfully bring to your attention serious concerns regarding potential violations of federal law by the e-commerce platform eBay, as well as certain sellers operating within its marketplace. These concerns center on the continued advertisement and sale of unlawfully marked or misrepresented numismatic items, which may constitute violations of, but are not limited to:
The Hobby Protection Act (HPA), which requires that imitation numismatic items be permanently and conspicuously marked to prevent consumer deception.
The Federal Trade Commission Act (FTC Act), which prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices in commerce.
The U.S. SAFE WEB Act, which enhances the Federal Trade Commission’s authority to combat cross-border fraud and deceptive practices affecting U.S. consumers.
Despite public awareness of these issues and the availability of reporting mechanisms, large numbers of imitation coins, medals, and tokens — often lacking the legally required “COPY” marking — continue to be listed and sold on eBay. Many of these items are presented in a manner that could mislead buyers into believing they are purchasing genuine numismatic pieces. The platform continues to collect listing fees, commissions, and other revenue from these transactions, raising significant questions about its role and responsibility in preventing the sale of items that violate federal law and its own stated policies.
This concern is underscored by the Deferred Prosecution Agreement entered in the U.S. District Court on January 11, 2024, in which federal authorities addressed serious compliance failures by eBay in a separate matter. That agreement demonstrates that the Department of Justice has already found it necessary to impose corrective measures on the platform to address unlawful conduct. The persistence of improperly marked numismatic items despite such federal oversight suggests that additional review and enforcement may be warranted.
It is important to note that these concerns are not limited to isolated consumer complaints. Members of respected online numismatic forums — including moderators, administrators, and contributors ranging from amateur collectors to some of the most recognized professionals in the field — have documented and reported these violations to eBay for years. Many of these individuals are considered among the top experts in numismatics, with decades of experience in authentication, grading, and market analysis. Their repeated efforts to alert eBay to clear violations of both federal law and the platform’s own policies have often been met with inaction or inadequate enforcement.
These experts have provided detailed evidence, including photographs, seller histories, and item numbers, yet non-compliant numismatic listings frequently remain active or reappear shortly after removal. This pattern raises concerns about whether eBay’s internal compliance monitoring — including any corporate policy enforcement teams or automated detection systems — is functioning effectively, or whether there is a systemic failure to prioritize the removal of illegal listings when doing so may reduce revenue.
The ongoing facilitation of improperly marked imitation numismatic items not only harms individual collectors — many of whom may have limited recourse after being misled — but also damages legitimate dealers, erodes trust in the numismatic marketplace, and undermines the integrity of the hobby. The Hobby Protection Act was enacted to protect collectors from deceptive practices in the sale of imitation coins and related items, yet its effectiveness is diminished when large-scale online platforms fail to enforce compliance among their sellers.
Given the scope of these concerns, the documented expertise of those raising them, and the precedent set by the January 11, 2024 DPA, I respectfully request that your office consider initiating an investigation into whether eBay’s current practices, policies, and enforcement mechanisms meet the requirements of these federal statutes. Such an investigation could help determine whether the platform is taking adequate steps to prevent the sale of non-compliant numismatic items, whether it is profiting from unlawful activity, and whether additional enforcement action is warranted to protect collectors and ensure fair competition.
I am prepared to provide further information, including documented examples of non-compliant numismatic listings, transaction records, communications with those who have tried and failed with the platform, and statements from recognized numismatic experts who have attempted to work with eBay to
@Uncle_Bingo said:
Still too long to read? I am not sure if it is only one page? and yes, this is the very first time I attempted to use the AI for anything other than a spell checker.
BTW the AI might be handy, but it is currently kicking my butt.
I may in fact need something more to back this up, (hint, hint ) if by some miracle this gets a nibble.
(SNIP)
Subject: Request for Investigation into Potential Federal Law Violations by eBay and Associated Sellers Involving Numismatic Items
Dear U.S. Attorney [Last Name],
I am writing to respectfully bring to your attention serious concerns regarding potential violations of federal law by the e-commerce platform eBay, as well as certain sellers operating within its marketplace. These concerns center on the continued advertisement and sale of unlawfully marked or misrepresented numismatic items, which may constitute violations of, but are not limited to:
The Hobby Protection Act (HPA), which requires that imitation numismatic items be permanently and conspicuously marked to prevent consumer deception.
The Federal Trade Commission Act (FTC Act), which prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices in commerce.
The U.S. SAFE WEB Act, which enhances the Federal Trade Commission’s authority to combat cross-border fraud and deceptive practices affecting U.S. consumers.
Despite public awareness of these issues and the availability of reporting mechanisms, large numbers of imitation coins, medals, and tokens — often lacking the legally required “COPY” marking — continue to be listed and sold on eBay. Many of these items are presented in a manner that could mislead buyers into believing they are purchasing genuine numismatic pieces. The platform continues to collect listing fees, commissions, and other revenue from these transactions, raising significant questions about its role and responsibility in preventing the sale of items that violate federal law and its own stated policies.
This concern is underscored by the Deferred Prosecution Agreement entered in the U.S. District Court on January 11, 2024, in which federal authorities addressed serious compliance failures by eBay in a separate matter. That agreement demonstrates that the Department of Justice has already found it necessary to impose corrective measures on the platform to address unlawful conduct. The persistence of improperly marked numismatic items despite such federal oversight suggests that additional review and enforcement may be warranted.
It is important to note that these concerns are not limited to isolated consumer complaints. Members of respected online numismatic forums — including moderators, administrators, and contributors ranging from amateur collectors to some of the most recognized professionals in the field — have documented and reported these violations to eBay for years. Many of these individuals are considered among the top experts in numismatics, with decades of experience in authentication, grading, and market analysis. Their repeated efforts to alert eBay to clear violations of both federal law and the platform’s own policies have often been met with inaction or inadequate enforcement.
These experts have provided detailed evidence, including photographs, seller histories, and item numbers, yet non-compliant numismatic listings frequently remain active or reappear shortly after removal. This pattern raises concerns about whether eBay’s internal compliance monitoring — including any corporate policy enforcement teams or automated detection systems — is functioning effectively, or whether there is a systemic failure to prioritize the removal of illegal listings when doing so may reduce revenue.
The ongoing facilitation of improperly marked imitation numismatic items not only harms individual collectors — many of whom may have limited recourse after being misled — but also damages legitimate dealers, erodes trust in the numismatic marketplace, and undermines the integrity of the hobby. The Hobby Protection Act was enacted to protect collectors from deceptive practices in the sale of imitation coins and related items, yet its effectiveness is diminished when large-scale online platforms fail to enforce compliance among their sellers.
Given the scope of these concerns, the documented expertise of those raising them, and the precedent set by the January 11, 2024 DPA, I respectfully request that your office consider initiating an investigation into whether eBay’s current practices, policies, and enforcement mechanisms meet the requirements of these federal statutes. Such an investigation could help determine whether the platform is taking adequate steps to prevent the sale of non-compliant numismatic items, whether it is profiting from unlawful activity, and whether additional enforcement action is warranted to protect collectors and ensure fair competition.
I am prepared to provide further information, including documented examples of non-compliant numismatic listings, transaction records, communications with those who have tried and failed with the platform, and statements from recognized numismatic experts who have attempted to work with eBay to
Comments
a letter from each of us won't doanything
ebay and the lot are aware and are "working" but it is "whack-a-mole"
they need more to get their attention
Thank you
I do have an idea of where to start . If it works it should be enough. Going to have to play it close to The vest at first though . Thank you for the suggestions 😊
you want help but will keep it close to your vest?
Just the first letters. It is important IMO . If it doesn't work then on to The next set.whatever it takes.
you'll need documentation t go with those letters. those mailings need to be in a small binder
I'm all for waves of attack when appropriate. ⚔️
AI's are great at writing letters. 😁
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
A chatbot would have to be specially programmed to make those grammar mistakes.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
It might be easier to just ask someone on the VAMWORD forum if I am real or not , and yes they know my English sucks there too
Still too long to read? I am not sure if it is only one page? and yes, this is the very first time I attempted to use the AI for anything other than a spell checker.
BTW the AI might be handy, but it is currently kicking my butt.
I may in fact need something more to back this up, (hint, hint ) if by some miracle this gets a nibble.
(SNIP)
Subject: Request for Investigation into Potential Federal Law Violations by eBay and Associated Sellers Involving Numismatic Items
Dear U.S. Attorney [Last Name],
I am writing to respectfully bring to your attention serious concerns regarding potential violations of federal law by the e-commerce platform eBay, as well as certain sellers operating within its marketplace. These concerns center on the continued advertisement and sale of unlawfully marked or misrepresented numismatic items, which may constitute violations of, but are not limited to:
The Hobby Protection Act (HPA), which requires that imitation numismatic items be permanently and conspicuously marked to prevent consumer deception.
The Federal Trade Commission Act (FTC Act), which prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices in commerce.
The U.S. SAFE WEB Act, which enhances the Federal Trade Commission’s authority to combat cross-border fraud and deceptive practices affecting U.S. consumers.
Despite public awareness of these issues and the availability of reporting mechanisms, large numbers of imitation coins, medals, and tokens — often lacking the legally required “COPY” marking — continue to be listed and sold on eBay. Many of these items are presented in a manner that could mislead buyers into believing they are purchasing genuine numismatic pieces. The platform continues to collect listing fees, commissions, and other revenue from these transactions, raising significant questions about its role and responsibility in preventing the sale of items that violate federal law and its own stated policies.
This concern is underscored by the Deferred Prosecution Agreement entered in the U.S. District Court on January 11, 2024, in which federal authorities addressed serious compliance failures by eBay in a separate matter. That agreement demonstrates that the Department of Justice has already found it necessary to impose corrective measures on the platform to address unlawful conduct. The persistence of improperly marked numismatic items despite such federal oversight suggests that additional review and enforcement may be warranted.
It is important to note that these concerns are not limited to isolated consumer complaints. Members of respected online numismatic forums — including moderators, administrators, and contributors ranging from amateur collectors to some of the most recognized professionals in the field — have documented and reported these violations to eBay for years. Many of these individuals are considered among the top experts in numismatics, with decades of experience in authentication, grading, and market analysis. Their repeated efforts to alert eBay to clear violations of both federal law and the platform’s own policies have often been met with inaction or inadequate enforcement.
These experts have provided detailed evidence, including photographs, seller histories, and item numbers, yet non-compliant numismatic listings frequently remain active or reappear shortly after removal. This pattern raises concerns about whether eBay’s internal compliance monitoring — including any corporate policy enforcement teams or automated detection systems — is functioning effectively, or whether there is a systemic failure to prioritize the removal of illegal listings when doing so may reduce revenue.
The ongoing facilitation of improperly marked imitation numismatic items not only harms individual collectors — many of whom may have limited recourse after being misled — but also damages legitimate dealers, erodes trust in the numismatic marketplace, and undermines the integrity of the hobby. The Hobby Protection Act was enacted to protect collectors from deceptive practices in the sale of imitation coins and related items, yet its effectiveness is diminished when large-scale online platforms fail to enforce compliance among their sellers.
Given the scope of these concerns, the documented expertise of those raising them, and the precedent set by the January 11, 2024 DPA, I respectfully request that your office consider initiating an investigation into whether eBay’s current practices, policies, and enforcement mechanisms meet the requirements of these federal statutes. Such an investigation could help determine whether the platform is taking adequate steps to prevent the sale of non-compliant numismatic items, whether it is profiting from unlawful activity, and whether additional enforcement action is warranted to protect collectors and ensure fair competition.
I am prepared to provide further information, including documented examples of non-compliant numismatic listings, transaction records, communications with those who have tried and failed with the platform, and statements from recognized numismatic experts who have attempted to work with eBay to
Can somebody give me the Cliff Notes version of this thread?
BST: KindaNewish (3/21/21), WQuarterFreddie (3/30/21), Meltdown (4/6/21), DBSTrader2 (5/5/21) AKA- unclemonkey on Blow Out
Counterfeits bad. Something must be done. Write a letter and demand law enforcement do something.
Sign it "Redfeather".
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
Strange times for sure. These days it's hard to tell if you are communicating with a human or AI bot. It only goes south from here. RGDS!
The whole worlds off its rocker, buy Gold™.
BOOMIN!™
Wooooha! Did someone just say it's officially "TACO™" Tuesday????